SUPEROXIDE ANION (O-2(-)) PRODUCTION AND BACTERICIDAL CAPACITY OF POLYMORPHONUCLEAR NEUTROPHILS OBTAINED FROM PATIENTS SUBJECTED TO GLUCAGON TEST

Superoxide anion (O-2(-)) production and bactericidal capacity of morp hologically mature bone marrow polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) wer e evaluated in 30 haematologically normal individuals. These same para meters of peripheral PMNs were estimated in 15 healthy volunteers befo re and after glucagon-induced marrow granulocyte reserve mobilization. Bone marrow PMN in comparison with cells obtained from peripheral blo od manifested impaired superoxide anion production and diminished bact ericidal capacity. The admixture of bone marrow PMN released into the circulation by the use of glucagon administration significantly lowere d both estimated PMN functions.